History was made
on Tuesday 26 January 1992 when chairman Ray Crofts,
manager Harry McNally and City supporter Les Parry took
part in the turf-cutting ceremony at Bumpers Lane. It
was a race against time for Morrison Shand Construction
who had pledged to have the stadium ready in time for
the start of the 1992/93 season.

The ceremony marked the end
of months of worried speculation for City fans and many
made a weekly pilgrimage down Bumpers Lane to inspect
progress. Despite the tight deadlines the ground was
ready in time for the opening fixture against Stockport
County on Tuesday 25 August in the Coca Cola Cup. The
visitors duly spoiled the party, running out 2-1 winners
but days later on 5 September the first Football League
game at Deva Stadium was a comprehensive 3-0 victory
over Burnley.

Deva Stadium was the first ground
to be built that incorporated all the features required
by the Taylor Report. These included disabled spaces
on both sides of the ground, automatic turnstiles and
exits as well as all other safety features needed to
meet the Taylor Report requirements.

The total capacity of the ground
is 6,012 with seating for 3,400 all of which are fully
covered. The name Deva originates from the Roman word
for Chester and was selected following a competition
run by the club.

GROUND EXPANSION
CONTINUESFollowing the impressive
refurbishment of the Deva Stadium ground in the last
12 months, chairman Stephen Vaughan has talked about
further ground developments planned to improve the Deva
Stadium facilities even further.

There are plans for five executive boxes in the West
stand at the ground, with possibly two more in the main
east stand. There is also the possible expansion of/or
new, supporters club. “We’re severely restricted
in being able to offer fans somewhere to have a drink
before or after the game. There are no pubs near the
ground either. The danger was they’d set out for
the ground, have a couple of pints in the city centre,
get comfy in front of the TV and not move.” Vaughan
stated that he’d had talks with a brewery regarding
a multi-purpose club room catering for up to 400 people
(a new club or expansion of the existing isn’t
specified). “If the brewery want to join us, fine.
If not, we’ll go ahead with the £1m development
ourselves. Our fans deserve it. I’m also hoping
to receive permission to build bar facilities behind
both the North and South Terrace Stands. We may not
get permission before Christmas, but I intend to continue
to improve the ground. The club has got a good relationship
with both the guarantor and Chester City Council.”

A section of he West stand was closed
at the start of the season as building work is currently
taking place for the executive boxes boxes.